(creative market)

Voice II (Sue): One of the premises of our book is to encourage others to understand how important their influence can be; that everyone can make a difference in their little corner of the world. I have never been one to shy away from speaking out for “right” or against “wrong.” I base my opinions on what God says in His word, and feel it’s my place to witness for Him when I can.

Over the last few years I have gotten the distinct impression that those who differ with me are not happy that I take those opportunities to speak or write. Facebook is usually the forum for today’s communication. You probably know where I’m going with this . . . if someone disagrees with something you’ve posted or a comment you’ve made, you will most likely hear from them, and it’s not always a pleasant experience! However, I’m having a hard time understanding or reconciling other Christians coming against my words, sometimes in personal attack form. I should realize that Jesus warned us that the “world” would come against us – look what it did to Him! But other Christians? This is hurtful and disturbing. How can they go against God’s teachings in the Bible and accuse me of “judging” when I am simply doing what I previously mentioned: standing for “right?” I do my best to love the sinner while recognizing the sin. However, many . . . even in the church, caution me not to judge. My concern is that one day God will do exactly that – JUDGE. I don’t want to have those I love, knew, or had contact with to look at me, thinking “why didn’t you tell me?”

Here’s a few examples of what I’m talking about: Christians, why do I hear OMG coming out of your mouth frequently? We are told in Deuteronomy to honor our Heavenly Father and not take His name in vain. It’s a commandment not a suggestion. How does that make you any different from the world?                                                                                    Christians, why would you even consider voting for candidates who support abortion – the modern-day equivalent of child sacrifice? Shouldn’t we stand for the unborn rather than for “choice?”                                                                            And finally, Christians, why do you encourage and support rainbow issues – homosexuality, gay marriage, and the ever-expanding consonant rights including transgender confusion at elementary age levels? Doesn’t God tell us to love others without accepting, encouraging, or condoning what He calls sin? All of these issues are difficult, especially if you have family members involved, but none of them are hard to fathom. God says they are wrong! He loves us and wants the best for us. Why would his teachings be wrong? The father of lies, the devil, is working overtime today to “deceive even the elect (Christians)” – those who should know better.

I know I have crossed a lot of lines in this post, but I’m asking you to consider what I’ve said. God’s word is truth; why aren’t we following it?

In one of the chapters of our book, Ch. XI, entitled “Shame on You,” we use scripture to back up what we wrote about then and what I’m saying now about the times in which we are living:  “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage . . . For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desire, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” 2 Tim. 4:24

“Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart.”  Proverbs 21:2

We also provide the lyrics to a Winans’ song, “Bring Back the Days of Yay and Nay.” If you want an eye-opening experience, google that song on YouTube and listen to wisdom.

Voice I (Deidre): To everything Sue has written, I say a hearty “Amen!” Once again the time has come for us to take a stand, and we choose to stand on God’s word, trusting Him, and do our best not to compromise with the ways of the world. We choose to love as God is love. However, God’s love cannot be separated from who He is. While compromise wants us as Believers to settle for differences that outright teach or try to influence us to go against God’s word, we – the Voices – choose to stand as Salt and Light. What will you do?